prepare a summary

USAGE SUMMARY

"prepare a summary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is asking someone else to summarize a previously written document. For example: "Please prepare a summary of the document you wrote and submit it to me by next Wednesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Give student 15-20 minutos to conduct their research and prepare a summary of their findings.

The New York Times

Identify on a state map all areas of entry and prepare a summary of the site you investigated.

The New York Times

4. WRAP-UP/HOMEWORK: Each student should prepare a summary of his or her group's research that answers all of the preceding questions.

The New York Times

For extra credit, research one of the scientific or technological premises to discover if it is, in fact, possible and/or in development, and prepare a summary of your findings.

The New York Times

It is essential to prepare a summary of the work, which has been done, and its significance.

Writing for Science and Engineering Papers, Presentations and Reports

By taking time to prepare a summary of the technical issues you need to have included in your system, it will save a great deal of time in the equipment suppliers getting a proposal to you.

Metal Finishing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Scientists at the international congress in Copenhagen have prepared a summary statement of their findings for policy makers.

The Guardian

On Jan . 9 Father Fahr prepared a summary of the situation for top officials at the diocese, before their weekly meeting, saying that a young chaplain needed "medical-psychotherapeutic treatment in Munich" and a place to live with "an understanding colleague".

The New York Times

Both the Czech Neo-Utraquists and the German-speaking Lutherans came together and prepared a summary of their faith, known as the Bohemian Confession, which agreed in the main points with the Lutheran Augsburg Confession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Viscount Ridley's article stated: "Prof Tol calculated that climate change would be beneficial up to 2.2C of warming from 2009 (when he wrote his paper)." Tol caused controversy in April when he announced that he had withdrawn from the team preparing a summary of the IPCC report on the grounds that he did not agree with the other authors.

The Guardian

Each focus group then prepared a summary report.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "prepare a summary", focus on the key points and avoid including unnecessary details. Aim for brevity and clarity.

Common error

Avoid turning your summary into a rehash of the original document. A good summary captures only the most crucial elements, ensuring it remains concise and easily digestible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare a summary" functions as an instruction or request to create a concise overview of a document, event, or situation. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from academic research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prepare a summary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that instructs someone to create a concise overview of information. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while suitable for various registers, it's more common in professional contexts like science, news reporting, and business. The ability to craft effective summaries is a valuable skill in both academic and professional settings, helping to convey key information clearly and efficiently. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is generally correct and can be used when asking someone to summarize a previously written document.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft a summary

This alternative suggests a preliminary version of the summary.

write a synopsis

The word 'synopsis' suggests a brief overview, often used in the context of books or films.

create an outline

This implies a more structured overview, highlighting key points.

make a precis

“Precis” is a formal term for a concise summary.

compose a brief

This suggests a short, formal document summarizing key information.

formulate an abstract

This is often used in academic or scientific contexts for summarizing research.

develop an overview

This phrase focuses on providing a general understanding of a topic.

generate a digest

This suggests condensing information into an easily consumable format.

put together a rundown

This implies a casual and quick summary of events or information.

construct a conspectus

This is a formal term for a comprehensive survey or summary of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "prepare a summary" in a sentence?

You can use "prepare a summary" when instructing someone to create a concise overview of something. For example, "Please "prepare a summary" of the meeting for those who couldn't attend."

What is the difference between "prepare a summary" and "write a summary"?

While both phrases are similar, "prepare a summary" often implies a more formal or structured approach, whereas "write a summary" can be more general. You could "write a summary" for personal use, but you might "prepare a summary" for a professional report.

What can I say instead of "prepare a summary"?

You can use alternatives like "draft a summary", "create an outline", or "write a synopsis" depending on the context.

What are some tips for effectively preparing a summary?

To "prepare a summary" effectively, focus on identifying the main points, using clear and concise language, and omitting unnecessary details. Review the original material thoroughly before summarizing.